The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Opinion
1 April 2017 1657 comments
Mark Mark
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For all the noise surrounding double Gameweeks and chips, perhaps it’s weekends like this that really decide our season.

There’s no question that Gameweek 30 is a problem child. The usual methods just don’t apply. We have injuries and fatigue, the uncertainty of rotation ahead of a midweek programme and, on top of that, the fixtures conspire to reveal no obvious candidate for the captaincy.

It seems likely that we will see a sizeable split among the Fantasy Premier League managers – the armband is set to be thrown far and wide and, should one potential target break out with a haul, Gameweek 30 could be seismic.

I’m finding this troubling. While my decision making has been sound of late, it’s been founded on a wild, almost scatter gun approach to transfers – bring in 3-4 players and one has delivered big. For all its success, it’s not a particularly clever tactic and, to be honest, I’ve been riding my luck.

My natural instinct for Gameweek 30 is to regress back into the shell, hunker down and let it pass overhead. While some can say that this is a time to take risks, I see it from another perspective.

The “gamble” appears to be tied up in the armband – spending points on transfers alongside it seems somewhat unsound. I have to hope that, even if I get the captaincy wrong, I have the big scorers covered and can cushion the impact should one of them explode.

Maybe that helps make the key decision.

Those assets most capable of delivering double figure hauls are surely the most likely to create a sea change in Gameweek 30. Diego Costa, for all his consistency, has not demonstrated the output to wound his non-owners with a 20-point haul. Alexis Sanchez seems a more likely executioner.

Currently, that’s guiding my thoughts. I have Sanchez and, while I recognise City as a more than capable opponent, I also see a player with an insatiable hunger to impress – a talent that can override Arsenal’s current misery.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is my other contender. A different animal entirely; while he’s not as combustible as Sanchez, he has provided three double-digit returns at home and against “weaker” opponents. Middlesbrough fit that profile nicely.

Swansea City have to target three points and the visitors, under their new regime, have to start to show some ambition rather than revert to Aitor Karanka’s turgid tactics of the past. It will be edgy, but an early goal might open it up for Sigurdsson.

I’m pretty sure that he takes the corners, penalties free-kicks, announces the line-ups over the PA system and takes the nets down at the end of the day. Sigurdsson is Swansea – if there’s goals for Clement’s men, I surely have to get points from it.

Both Sanchez and Sigurdsson have delivered in seven of their last eight Gameweeks, which tells me that rewards are on the cards, regardless of where my dart lands at 11.29.

Owning both, along with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero, could just be vital to the damage limitation process.

It’s perhaps not one decision that will see my through Gameweek 30 intact; it’s all those previous moves that have helped me acquire a cast of heavy-hitters than can hopefully cover the weekend’s big scorer.

But if Liverpool go mad, I’m done for. The problem child will have thrown a vicious tantrum to wreck my weekend within the first few hours.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Jebiga
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    captain lukaku or siggy ?

    1. Sahil Yadav
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Toss a coin imo

    2. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      siggy

    3. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Siggy seems a very popular choice on here but I'd go Lukaku without hesitation over Siggy. GL!

    4. Dele
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Siggy

  2. Sahil Yadav
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Need funds for Barkley>Alli. Which one to go for:

    A) Costa to Vardy
    B) Baines to Davies
    C) Don't do it

    Suggestions on current team would also be appreciated:
    Jaku
    Alonso, Brunt, Robertson
    Sanchez, Firmino, Siggy, Barkley
    (C)osta, Lukaku, Llorente

    Heaton, T.Carroll, Baines, Firmino

    1FT, 1.2 ITB

    1. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      b

    2. Dele
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A+B

      1. Sahil Yadav
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        For a -8?

  3. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    @_pauljoyce
    Pennington, Holgate and Calvert-Lewin all set to start for Everton.

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Does this confirm Mane (C)? You don't win anything with kids.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Are you sure? Does this mean I should get the armband back on Mane?

    3. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Hmmm. Pennington may be playing right wing back.

    4. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Can I play too?

    5. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      If it wasn't for Lallana being out I'd captain Mane.

    6. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Remember them 4-0 wins for Liverpool stats....

    7. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Back 3 for Everton then. Pennington at right wing back

      1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Or Holgate

    8. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Would expect this line-up

      Robles
      Holgate Jags Williams Baines Gueye Barry Davies
      Mirallas Lukaku Barkley

    9. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not more energy to cope with the tired Liverpool attack

  4. hannesdela
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Currently on Mané as captain. He's maybe not super consistent, but I feel he might me be the most explosive player this GW.

    Or should I change it to Sigy or Valencia?

    1. zon
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No, stick with Mane

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Who sells better cheese?

    A) Aldi
    B) Lidl

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez

  6. Junior ⚽
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Torn between Captain
    A) Mane
    B) Sanchez

    1. hannesdela
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Mané for me there

  7. Iboateng
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is Costa starting?

    1. Aiden Mcgeady 😆
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Line ups aren't out yet

  8. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Jaku
    Walker Alonso Valencia
    King Mane Siggy Lanzini
    Costa Lukaku Aguero

    Subs: Grant DeRoon Evans Amat

    0ft 1.4itb

    Gtg?
    Or take a hit and bring vardy/alli/eriksen in?

  9. The Architect of Anarchy
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Repost
    Suggestions?

    Heaton
    Alonso-walker-baines
    Coutinho-siggy-eriksen-mane-San(C)hez
    Deeney-Lukaku

    Bench - jaku, McCauley,crouch,friend

  10. Hobolicious
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    It feels so weird not making any changes. Must be the first GW for ages, and it feels especially weird seeing it has been 2 weeks since the last GW...

    Tough captain choice this week so I am going for an explosive player that seems to be overseen by most.

    1. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez?

      1. Hobolicious
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        That is correct.

        1. Fred54
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I have him. Trust him but not Arsenal.

          1. Hobolicious
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Agreed. I am an Arsenalsupporter and our team is in such a slump. The only positive is Alexis. He can score against anyone.

            I also like that he is playing in the last game of the GW. At least I can have the disappointment late in the GW, haha!

  11. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Coleman, siggy & Lorrente > walker, Vardy & Son - 8

    Or too much of a hit?

    1. LeicesterA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Why are you getting rid of Siggy with MID at home?!

      1. bring_on _the_fantasy
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        to afford the rest

    2. Jönny
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Risky. Everyone is going mad for Leicester/Vardy, it seems a little rash to me.

    3. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      1 April

    4. OzilFozzil
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      taking out two Swans before MID at Home (for a hit) seems bonkers to me....

  12. Fred54
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Completely forgot about GKs.

    Heaton or Jaku?

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Close, but I'd say heaton for the extra save points at home

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Miroslav Close is a striker, not a gk.

        1. Frank Koscielny
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          It's Klose, but nice try George. How's your dead wife doing?

          1. Sponge-worthy
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Klose enough. Lilly's fine.

            1. Frank Koscielny
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 8 months ago

              Any calls from the Jerk store lately?

              1. Sponge-worthy
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 8 months ago

                I'm the bestseller.

                1. Frank Koscielny
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 8 months ago

                  Haha. Have a good weekend, mate

                  1. Sponge-worthy
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 8 months ago

                    Cheers.. You also.

  13. Darklord_bg
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Costa (CPL)
    B) Lukaku (liv)

    Who to play:
    C) Brunt (mun)
    D) Fabio (swa)

    Thanks!

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A and C

    2. zon
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      B, D

  14. UKG
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Mane, Kun, Siggy, Lukakau, Llorente, King....who are you going for?

  15. Football Weekender
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Talk is Pennington, Holgate & Calvert-Lewin all set to start for the Blues.

    Wish I had Mané to captain!

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Mane is without Lallana though which has more impact than Pennington playing.

      Also Mane will be up against Baines, not one of the kids.

      1. Football Weekender
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Mané will move around. Klopp will use his pace to expose whoever they perceive as the week link and try to get Mané 1v1 on him, that's what we've done all season. And there's plenty of weak links in that Everton team to expose.

        Agreed Lallana is a loss. Expecting Lucas at the base of the midfield with Wijnaldum & Can further up doing the pressing.

  16. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A- Aguero
    B- Lukaku
    C- Mane
    D- Llorente
    E- Tadic

    1. ladsofbunch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. StingRay
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      E

  17. Football Weekender
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    C

  18. Ibracadebruyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Have a bad feeling for benching Llorente today...
    Any other option u prefer with this front?

    Siggy-Pedro-King-Sanchez-Alli

    Kun-Lukaku-Llorente

    Cheers!

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Bench King then

    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      It's King for me.

  19. Ribus
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    C Alli, anyone with me?

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You should have better options

      1. Ribus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Have Mane, Costa, Alexis, Siggy..

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not a bad shout. Pretty much playing as a striker and on penalties too.

  20. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Captain:

    a) Costa
    b) Mane
    c) Siggy
    d) Lukaku

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      C

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not C

  21. Frank Koscielny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed

    A) Bavies - Fabio/Chambers - Cedric

    or

    B) Verthongen - Chambers - Yoshida?

    Cheers!

    1. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      b

    2. Visionaries
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

  22. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Cheat day. Shall I go with:

    A. Peanut M&Ms
    B. Chocolate chip cookies
    C. Dominoes pizza
    D. All of the above

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      All in or nothing.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      D

    4. GreatCarragherReef
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      C, with their lava cake or cookie dough for a (-4)

    5. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Interesting responses. I'll have to think hard before making a decision. Leaning towards D.

    6. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Cheat DAY?? Tut tut

      Cheat MEAL is for the more dedicated.

    7. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ps enjoy. Spare a thought for me.

      Making ostrich meat and kale mash

      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Yeh 6 days of pure discipline then 1 day of absolute carnage.
        Ostrich meat...never tried, enjoy that! Looking at trying waterbuffalo soon, very high in protein.

    8. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      D

  23. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    RMT:
    Cech (Butland)
    Rose Coleman PVA
    Antonio Lallana Mata Phillips
    (C) Ibra Kane Gabbiadini
    (Stanislas Funes Mori Chambers)

    Good to go? Worried that I've overspent up front but good midfield differentials should see me through. Hoping for 104 points at least.

    1. Jönny
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Hahaha...got me for a second.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      G2g mate

  24. Jönny
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Pickford
    Valencia Davies Maguire
    Mane (c) Coutinho Siggy Barkley
    Aguero Lukaku Llorente

    Bench: Foster, Lanzini McAuley, Pieters

    Good to go? Nervous with no Chelsea players...

  25. The Wise Owl
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Costa to Vardy for a hit?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Doesn't seem very wise to me

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Better fixtures, better form.

    2. Dele
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yes I've done it, 2 week punt could be huge.

      It's a game sit back and enjoy.

  26. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Help me. Who are we all captaining then????

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      De Roon

    2. Dele
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I've got it on Vardy but now I've heard the news of that weak Everton defence Mane looks nice. Although I don't like the early captaincy feel.

  27. Dele
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Mane could tear that young Everton back line a new one today?

    Mane, Sanchez or Vardy (C)?

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Mane is up against Baines. Not the youngsters.

      1. Dele
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        He drifts all over the place doesn't he? Little wizard.

        1. Football Weekender
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, he'll move around and we'll try to get him 1v1 against the weakest link. Had great success doing that this season.

  28. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Nothing good ever happens in LAST 30 mins before the deadline

    1. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Jonty found a biscuit in a pack he thought was empty once.

  29. ladsofbunch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Been considering wc all week. Now considering a hit for a defender.

    Pickford
    Daniels, alonso, baines
    Eriksen, king, cout, mane
    Llorrente, aguero (c), lukaku

    Heaton, jones, fer, brunt

    Worth hitting out a defender?

  30. StingRay
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Captain issues:

    I don't think Luk will score today because he doesn't play well away and many Everton players are now injured which cuts down his supply.

    I'm going to be brave and captain TADIC, feel his form will push him into getting a good haul against a poor defensive Bournemouth side and it's a derby too, so lots of goal at both ends....could be the game of the weekend!

    1. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I see goals in that one ... which I why I am worried about having no space for King.